The most important thing to consider is the room that you’re going to record in. The best kinds of rooms for voices are those with lots of soft materials, and a minimum of hard surfaces and windows. This type of space is referred to as a ‘dead’ space. Reflections from hard places and windows in the room translates into reverb in the mix, which makes voices harder to hear. If your room has a lot of windows and hard surfaces, you can always buy or borrow some acoustic panels (or sheets) and hang them up in front of the mic and on the walls around to absorb reflections. Ideally you want the room to be not too small, and not too symmetrically shaped.

Once you choose a room, positioning the microphone is the second most important thing to consider: that, and of course which microphone that you choose. Never position the microphone right in the center of a room. And be sure to place it as far away from walls and reflective surfaces as possible. Just off-center is an ideal location because you won’t get that deadness of being ‘dead center’ and you also will avoid excessive reflections from walls.

The best type of microphone to use is a large diaphragm condenser mic. I recommend a cardioid pattern, which will focus incoming sound into the space directly in front of the mic, minimizing unwanted background noise. Use a pop filter and shock mount to avoid all those plosives (p-p-p-p) from getting overly emphasized.

Start by placing the mic 6-10 inches from your lips mouth-level, angled slightly downward. High frequencies from your lips float through the air in a downwards cone shape. A mic positioned lower near the chest will pick up more bass; one placed above lip level will be more mid-and-high heavy. Ideal placement is (usually) at lip level, but tilted ever-so-slightly downward to reduce plosives and sibilance.

If you are using a condenser mic on cardioid pattern, try not to go too close because variations in distance from the mic during the performance will manifest as differences in volume if you do. 6-12 inches away will give you a more uniform volume. Keep in mind that the farther from the mic you position the vocalist, the brighter the sound and more you will hear the room. The closer you are to the mic, the warmer and more intimate the sound will be.

4 inches => warm and clear sounding

12 inches => light and airy

For whispers, place the vocalist 1-2 inches from the mic for a deeply intimate sound.

To avoid the proximity effect of volume changing based on slight variations in distance, set the mic to an omnidirectional setting. Just be aware sound will be picked up from all around the room with equal emphasis.

If by chance you end up using a dynamic microphone like an SM 58, feel free to record super close-up; that’s what these mics are made for!

Do some test takes: arm the recording channel and get the singer to say ‘test’ and maybe sing, rap or speak some of what they will be performing. When recording,

Levels should be peak around -10dBFS and average level should be -18dBFS.

peak level -10dB

average level -18dB

never go above -6dB to avoid peaking out recording

The maximum levels should ever hit is about -6dBFS. This will avoid the risk of ‘peaking out’ the recording. Test prior to recording and set the levels first, to avoid recording with the signal too hot or too low.

If you have a backing track playing through headphones, set the level during these test takes. Some vocalists like to have a little reverb added in the mix to soften the sound of their voice during recording. You can choose whether to keep it or lose it later.

Now you are ready to record! Take a mini break after setting up. Make sure there is water nearby and that the vocalist is comfortable. Set the mood by dimming the lights and creating a relaxing atmosphere. Record 3 takes of each song or phrase, so if there is an issue with a word or phrase from one take, there are others to choose from that can be easily edited together.

Record 3 takes of each song or phrase, so if there is an issue with a word or phrase from one take, there are others to choose from that can be easily edited together.

Inspiration can be found easily sometimes and not so easily in others. Encourage the vocalist (or yourself, if you are doing the vocals) to really let go and belt it out. Deep breathing can help to relax you before you start. Breathe out through your mouth for 8 breaths then in for 6. Repeat 10 times. Give yourself the right to try things, have fun, and be silly.

Don’t forget to take a break every 30 minutes for 5-10 minutes.

Take a quick listen to ensure the recordings are sounding good, then save your work and take a break before re-opening your session with fresh ears and energy to start on the mixing.